At the very least this looks like reliable information.

My quick perusal of this seems to show no State charges a first-time John or prostitute with more than a misdemeanor (pimps and brothels are different).  Seems to me an argument could be made that the felony penalty is disproportionate for the offense and/or violates State and/or federal Constitution (Eighth Amendment says no cruel and unusual punishment).  Then again, what the hell do I know?

Sorry, but is there anyone who REALLY thinks it doesn't make any difference of felony penalties are out there?  What is there to bargain down to once the misdemeanors are gone?  What motive does the ASA have to bargain, even if ED isn't pushing its ass in his face?

No offense to you personally, Charlie, cause I really don't know what you were trying to say.  But people are only this dumb when they want to be.

-- Modified on 8/4/2010 2:02:53 PM

Well I offered that argument in the email template I suggested somewhere down the page so I hope it makes some sense.  
The chart is from 1996 but it is still true that there are -- as of today -- no felonies for first time offenses.

Remember that LE and DA are after the Big Fish to Fry like Agencies (MC). They will use the Felony charges to scare the shit out of the John and/or Provider, and at the same time ask them to cooperate so the charges can be dropped to misdemeanor. This Felony threat can be used by them to even get convictions out of John and Provider. Currently johns and providers stood up to them since LE has no  solid proof of the crime and even if convicted its only a misdemeanor.
But with a Felony threat most of them will plead guilty or flip or cooperate with LE/DA so they can get a lesser sentence like a misdemeanor..

The goal of this Bill is to scare the shit out of people and not to fill Jails with johns and providers..

I agree with what you are saying though.

folks will cop to lesser crimes for the chance to work with LE. As long as people bargin with their oppressors they will continue to be oppressed. Providing should not be a crime period.

The post was intended to show that the criminalization of sexual
behavior is a nationwide problem. Nothing more.

For what it's worth, I sent Quinn a note on the Governors website, basically saying that the punishment should fit the crime, and urging him to consider what that means. (in a polite way).